Short Review on Rare Earth and Metalloid Oxide Additions to MgB2 as a Candidate Superconducting Material for Medical Applications

Abstract

MgB2 is a candidate for the fabrication of magnetic coils used in medical applications. Our review indicate that oxide additions based on the rare earth or metalloid elements show improvement of the MgB2 critical current density (Jc) and the irreversible magnetic field (Hirr) without significantly affecting the critical temperature (Tc) However, the characteristics of the additions and the technological approaches show a strong influence in controlling superconducting properties. Both additions and the technology need a careful and complex optimization in order to enhance the Jc and Hirr.